January 2020 TTP

January 2020 Boaf Firedasther Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival brings big crowds to town. Pg. 13 An International Adventure! Titusville couple on a mission to bring clean water to Uganda. Pg. 15 PLUS: The Grove Church opens their new home! • C’s Waffles brings new flavors for breakfast! • Moonlight Drive-In has new owners!

CONTENTS...

Here are the Newest Updates for What’s Going On in Town Happy New Year! Welcome to 2020 and a new decade as Titusville continues to grow and prosper. In this issue is a plethora of exciting things coming our way in the new year, including new business growth and other economic news courtesy of Troy Post from the North Brevard Economic Development Zone. We also take a look at two major nature attractions in Titusville: the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, and Playalinda Beach. And, we learn all about how a local retired couple took their golden years and turned them into a mission to help improve the lives of the people in Uganda. We look forward to a wonderful and prosperous new year for everyone here in the City of Titusville! NEW &CONTINUED PROJECTS............................................1 N. BREVARD ECONOMIC NEWS.........................................7 FEATURE STORIES............................................................9 COVER STORY...................................................................13 CITY GOV NEWS..............................................................21 COMPLETED & OPEN......................................................27 Talking Points Staff Jim Thomas Managing Editor Kurtis Korwan Shane Daily Layout/Design/Photojournalism

Hope Hammock Life Storage Expansion NEW & CONTINUED PROJECTS A site plan is under review for a 9-unit multi-family development located at the northwest corner of Palmetto Street and South Brown Avenue. Site construction continues for an expansion of the existing storage business located at 1903 Garden Street. The structure is growing larger Titusville Point by the day, as crews construct a three-story, in-door, climate-controlled storage center. Titusville Storage Crews are already at work, clearing the land and preparing for Site construction continues for the redevelopment of the former installation of utilities, drive aisles, landscaping, and other site-related Kmart building into indoor, climate controlled storage located at 810 infrastructure at Titusville Point. Located at the corner of SR 405 and Cheney Highway. Cheney Highway, the plan includes three commercial buildings that are currently under review, which include a Discount Tire, a Cumberland Hoffman’s Table Farms, and Aspen Dental. Community Credit Union Ground construction and preparation are under way for the new A new restaurant is coming to Downtown Titusville in the next few Community Credit Union, located on US 1, at the former site of Wendy’s, months, in the location of the former Crescent Coffee Company. across from Titus Landing. 1 Talking Points / January 2020

River Palms St. Stephen’s NEW & CONTINUED PROJECTS Site construction continues for 100-residential condominium units A large church building now stands in front of St. Stephen’s on US 1 within two buildings, with associated amenities at 1805 Riverside Drive. south of SR 50, as crews continue to work on the new addition to the Christian Retreat Center. Willow Creek South Carpenter Estates Land clearing has begun for phase one of the Willow Creek subdivision, Several homes have been finished, and several more are under located on Grissom Pkwy, south of the airport. This phase will consist of construction at the subdivision being developed on South Carpenter 70 single-family-home lots. Road, just north of Fox Lake Road. When completed, there will be 70 single-family homes in the neighborhood. Cosmic Creamery & Creations Aero Electronics Garrison Construction of Titusville is busy finishing up a new ice cream Work is nearing completion at Aero Electronics System’s new and dessert restaurant located in Titus Landing, around the corner from 10,000-square-foot manufacturing and testing facility, located at 411 Ulta Cosmetics. No word yet on when it will open. South Park Avenue, just south of Garden Street. January 2020 \\ Talking Points 2

Luna Trails Park Preserve NEW & CONTINUED PROJECTS Construction is nearing completion on the 84-unit, three-story More homes are being finished every week as work nears completion apartment complex located at Deleon Avenue and Sycamore Street. for the 39-lot, single-family-home subdivision located at the corner of South Park Avenue and Knox McRae Drive. Courtyard by Marriott Extended Stay Hotel Crews are busily constructing the first floor and surrounding ground work for a new 152-room, five-story hotel, located on the grounds of the former U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Hyatt Place Exterior surface coatings and paint are being added to the walls of the new 124-room, four-story hotel located at the southern-most end of Helen Hauser Blvd, off of SR 50, just west of I-95. La Hacienda Work is nearly complete on the new Hyatt Hotel, located adjacent to Several new homes are nearing completion in this new residential the Boeing complex on south US 1, at Riverfront Center Blvd. The new neighborhood being constructed just west of LaCita Country Club, on hotel will consist of 119 rooms, a two-story office and retail building, Country Club Blvd. and an observation deck to view launches from. 3 Talking Points / January 2020

Let’s Roll Space Coast New Businesses In Town A Conditional Use Permit for a new skating rink will come to the Below is a list of just some of the new business tax receipts Planning and Zoning Commission on January 21, and then City Council (commonly referred to as business licenses) issued in Titusville on January 28, for a new 21,000+ square-foot facility located near Publix since October of 2019. on Garden Street. The venue will consist of a roller skating rink, snack bar, arcade, dessert room, and five themed birthday party rooms: Pink Accountant ERNEST RESTINA CPA, PA Princess, Rockstar, Sports, Let’s Celebrate, and Ice Princess. Administration Office BREVARD SOLAR LLC Beauty Salon/Barbershop HAIR KHEMISTRY STUDIO LLC If the permit is approved, the company plans to begin construction Bookkeeping Tax Service SPACE COAST TAX & immediately. ACCOUNTING LLC Building Contractor SATURN BUILDERS OF BREVARD Beachwave Building Contractor LAWSON MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. Site work continues for a 16,800 square foot commercial plaza that Building Contractor STEEL HAMMER CONSTRUCTION includes a retail store, restaurant and second floor open air tiki bar and Building Contractor WB CONTRACTING, INC. observation deck located at the southwest corner of Garden Street and Building Contractor PIERCE, INC DBA QUALITY Indian River Avenue. GARAGE DOOR SERVICES Cabinet-Millwork (SPC) BRAGG CABINET DESIGNS AND Santiago and Friends INSTALLATION Carnival/Fair DOOLAN AMUSEMENT COMPANY Santiago and Friends Family Center for Autism recently received a Chiropractor LIVING WELL CHIROPRACTIC Business Tax Receipt to open an office at 4403 South Hopkins. Santiago Civic Organization LATINO LEADERSHIP, INC. DBA and Friends offers ABA therapy, speech therapy, and other special needs SANTIAGO & FRIENDS FAMILY training for family living with Autism. CENTER FOR AUTSIM Concrete Forming/Placing COOMER CONCRETE CONTRACTORS, INC. Dentist Associate GARY RANDALL GIBSON DMD Electrical Contractor LOWE ELECTRIC LLC Electrical Contractor RANDALL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. Handyman Repair GOLDEN HANDS REMODELING AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Handyman Repair ADAM GIBSON Janitorial Commercial THE HEART THAT SMILES CLEANING COMPANY LLC Lawn Maintenance COASTAL LAWN CARE & LANDSCAPING LLC Lawn Maintenance JORGE NIEVES Lawn Maintenance GLACIER LAWN CARE AND LANDSCAPING Lawn Maintenance FRUGALMANS “LLC” Manufacturing Firm HALLCRAFT MACHINING, INC. Photographer/Studio TANEAL HOBBS PHOTOGRAPHY Plumbing Contractor ROWTON PLUMBING INC Printing/Publication STARLINE EDUCATION INC Restaurant MARCOT PLATINUM, LLC DBA C’S WAFFLES Restaurant DUKE’S THAI & AMERICAN FOOD Restaurant OLDE BANK TAVERN Restaurant MOONLIGHT DRIVE-IN LLC Restaurant REARVIEW COFFEE LLC Restaurant BAMBOO GARDEN SUPER BUFFET, INC. Retail Sales WALL AUTOMOTIVE GROUP INC Retail Sales TITUSVILLE ANTIQUE MALL LLC Retail Sales SOUTHERN FAITH BOUTIQUE Retail Sales COTTON’S ESTATE TREASURES Swimming Pool Maint. DANIEL BIRCH Towing/Wrecking Service SPACE COAST TOWING & STORAGE, LLC. Unspecified Business KONA ICE NORTH SPACE COAST Unspecified Business ROCKET CITY REAL ESTATE Unspecified Business ALPINE PROPERTY PRESERVATION, INC. Unspecified Business EDENS CARING HEART INC Unspecified Business DESHLER DIAGNOSTICS, INC Unspecified Business CREATIVE PLACES, LLC Unspecified Personal ESSENTIAL HEALTH & HEALING HANDS LLC Unspecified Personal LET’S TALK 180, LLC Unspecified Professional CHARIS COUNSELING CENTER Wholesale Sales E3 TELE ACOUSTICS January 2020 \\ Talking Points 4

NEW & CONTINUED PROJECTS Community Redevelopment Agency Titusville Talking Points (CRA) Updates Cover Photo Donated by Jim Boland The FY2020 CRA Budget includes funds for the resurfacing of Orange Ahuge thanks to Jim Boland, who donated the photo used in Street west of Hopkins Avenue, Pine Street west of Hopkins Avenue, this issue’s cover of Titusville Talking Points! The photo was and Lemon Avenue south of Garden Street. also used in an ad for the 23rd Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival! Sidewalk infills, repairs and ADA improvements are proposed for sections of Orange Street, Broad Street and Lemon Avenue. Jim Boland is a long time resident of Titusville. His passion for bird photography was sparked when some ducks visited a nearby stormwater retention pond some 15 years ago. The image of the Pileated Woodpecker was taken in his Titusville neighborhood. Jim is retired from the aerospace industry having worked over 30 years on the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs. Jim is also retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Jim has won numerous awards for his photography and has been published in several publications. Jim is a volunteer for the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival. His photography is for sale at The Downtown Gallery here in Titusville where Jim is one of the resident artists. Visit Jim’s instagram page @jsblnd and take a look at nature through his viewfinder. Additionally, the CRA approved a part-time maintenance worker Observation Pier Feasibility Study moving to a full-time position in order to keep up with the demand of keeping the downtown area well groomed. A feasibility study was approved by the CRA to examine whether it is feasible to connect the Spaceview/Mercury Memorial portion of Spaceview Park to the Spaceview/ Gemini portion of Spaceview Park with an observation – walking pier. If determined as feasible to construct, the pier would provide an additional area to view launches as well as connectivity between parks on the waterfront. 5 Talking Points / January 2020

WHERE ADVENTURES CONVERGE | #LAUNCHFROMHERE This March, Three Awesome Trail-Related Events are Coming to Historic Downtown Titusville! MARCH 18 - The Florida Bicycle Tourism Conference Bike Florida Special Event For those who are interested in developing bicycle tourism as an economic driver that helps improve both the local health of citizens and quality of life across our communities. This one day gathering promises a varied range of valuable discussions and partnership possibilities. FEATURING SPEAKER. DAN BURDEN, Director of Inspiration and Innovation for BLUE ZONES. Named by Time Magazine as one of the most important civic innovators in the world, there will be two opportunities to hear Dan present, and you may want to ensure you are part of both. MARCH 19-20 - The Florida St. John’s River to Sea Loop Summit This summit event focuses on an important regional trail—the St. Johns River to Sea Loop–that goes through 5 counties, including Brevard, converging with the Coast to Coast Trail and the East Coast Greenway, in Titusville. Summit Day: March 19 - The Summit will feature presentations, breakout sessions, lunch tours, and more! Action Plan Workshop Day: March 20 MARCH 21 - RIDE IT DOWN 2, Our Annual Community Fun on the Trails Day Event This is a celebration of our multi-use trails in North Brevard and the convergence of three major trail networks right here in Titusville: Coast to Coast Trail, St. Johns River to Sea Loop, and the East Coast Greenway. Ride begins at our Downtown Welcome Center and ends with an After Party at Sand Point Park—with food, music, vendors and family activities. January 2020 \\ Talking Points 6

North new facility, which will include a pipe fabrication operation, is Brevard expected to cost approximately $2 million and employ more Economic than 15 people. Through its operating units, the company Report performs work for numerous industrial and commercial enterprises like Blue Origin and Praxair, along with government Troy Post, North Brevard Economic Development Zone and institutional leaders, such as the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA. Engineered Bonding Solutions to build new manufacturing plant. To learn more about MJW Consolidated, go to www.mjwood.com. Dozier Crane to locate its regional service center on South Street in Titusville. Engineered Bonding Solutions, a chemical processing manufacturer Dozier Crane, a Savannah, Georgia-based distributor and leasing firm of structural adhesives, has announced plans to purchase a 4.5-acre lot for cranes used in construction and manufacturing projects, has taken in the Spaceport Commerce Park in Titusville for the construction of a possession of a 10,000-square-foot facility on SR 405, to serve as its new 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. The project, including Central Florida servicing center for equipment rentals and repair. The new capital equipment installation and a state-of-the-art mixing and operation is expected to employ a number of technicians and sales packaging system, is expected to cost approximately $1.5 million. professionals. The company, which began business in 1974, is an authorized Currently the company employs 19 people, but it anticipates the dealer of Terex, Manitowoc, Kobelco, Shuttlelift, and other international creation of 15 new jobs once the facility is fully operational. and domestic brands; it services customers throughout the continental United States, and in more than 49 foreign countries. Additional The company is best known for its product ACRA Lock, which is information on the company can be found at www.doziercrane.com. designed to chemically adhere to most surfaces, including steel, aluminum, engineered plastics, and high-performance composites; LeNgineer launching new high- it’s primarily used as an adhesive in the marine industry, but also has tech venture. applications in aerospace and aviation. For more information on the company, visit their website at www.acralock.com. MJW Consolidated to open pipe fabrication plant in Spaceport Commerce Park. MJW Consolidated, a Jacksonville-based firm that designs, LeNgineer, a small federal contracting and engineering firm started fabricates, and assembles fire suppression systems, has announced right here in Titusville by local entrepreneur Tuan Le in 2014, has plans to purchase a 5-acre lot in Spaceport Commerce Park. The announced plans to purchase a dilapidated structure on US 1 south of Cheney Highway for the location of a new venture called LeNnovation. 7 Talking Points / January 2020 The 8,000 square-foot building, which has been vacant since 2015, is

expected to be renovated into office and light industrial areas for work five companies from Brevard County were named to the list. on drone technology. The LeNnovation project is expected to cost The company, founded by George Woodruff in 2015, was named after approximately $2 million over the next three years, and employ more than 25 people. an elite Marine Corps unit — the Raiders — which was formed during the Second World War to conduct amphibious light infantry warfare. The company is currently designing an Unmanned Aerial System At its Titusville facility, the company makes lightweight, two-cylinder (UAS) for rapid deployment and use in the military, construction, and engines specifically designed for use by the military; the engines can service-sector industries; integrated with Light Detection and Ranging be completely submerged in water without bags, through the use of a (LiDAR) technology, the drones produced by LeNnovation will be de-watering system. To learn more about this “company to watch,” visit able to gather data on specific sites, whether a military target or a their website at www.raideroutboards.com. building construction lot. Through its parent company, LeNgineer, work has already been completed for the US Navy Fleet Ballistic Space Coast real estate market Missile (FBM) program. For more information on the company, visit growing by leaps and bounds! www.LeNgineer.com. Raider Outboards of Titusville named a “Company to Watch” by GrowFL Titusville-based Raider Outboards, a manufacturer of high- The Space Coast Board of REALTORS reported in November 2019 that performance outboard engines, has been selected by GrowFL as one “closed home sales” were up 17.9%, with 805 units closed, compared to of the state’s “Companies to Watch,” an annual recognition by just 683 units sold in November 2018. “New pending sales” were also up, GrowFL and the Edward Lowe Foundation. The list recognizes increasing 22.8% over the previous year. The median sales price for a those second-stage, Florida-based companies that are helping Brevard single-family-home was up 6.5%, reaching $240,000, compared to diversify the state’s manufacturing economy through job to last year’s figure of $225,295. creation and capital investment expenditures. Second-stage companies are defined as those with less than 150 full-time “Months supply of inventory” of homes for sale dropped 20%, from employees, and annual revenue between $750k and $100 million. Only 3.5 months in October 2018, to 2.8 months in November 2019. For additional information on key economic statistics for the North Brevard area, please visit www.NBEDZ.org and www.SpaceCoastMLS.com. Employment numbers for Titusville look good, signifies growing economy. The table below shows the latest economic statistics for the northern part of Brevard County, Florida (principally the communities of Mims, Port St. John, Scottsmoor, and Titusville), according to seasonally unadjusted figures from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. Curent Year (Nov 2019) Previous Year (Nov 2018) Percentage Change Titusville Unemployment Rate 2.9% 3.4% Titusville Labor Force Size 21,726 21,132 2.81% County Unemployment Rate 2.8% 3.2% County Labor Force Size 285,519 277,669 2.81% State Unemployment Rate 2.7% 3.3% State Labor Force Size 10,479,000 10,293,000 1.81% January 2020 \\ Talking Points 8

FEATURE STORIES From Groceries to Good News After two-and-a-half years, the doors are open and the Word is spreading. When the purchase was made in June 2017, everyone knew it The community space is decked out to eventually look like an indoor was going to take a lot of hard work — and time — to bring a main street, with the snack shops and other areas having their own long-standing, long-empty and dilapidated former Gooding’s mini roofs and facades. Also in this front area is an old 1950 Chevy grocery store back to life as a house of worship. There was much that 4400 truck, decked out like it just drove in from the orange groves needed to be done, from structural to electrical; plumbing, flooring, hauling citrus for sale. The truck is quickly becoming a centerpiece for wall construction, and more. The work would be difficult and tedious, members taking pictures as it was recently decked out for Christmas, but with the aid of Loyd Contracting, their crews and the church family and the church plans to decorate it for different seasons and holidays set about the task of renovation, having faith their efforts would going forward. pay off. “For Christmas, we had it decked out with Christmas trees in the They did, because 911 days after buying the property, the doors of the back, people loved it.” Brad stated, explaining how the truck is for show new church building opened for its first service on Christmas Eve, 2019. only; they gutted it, cleaned it, and it now sits as an empty chassis for The construction on the building was divided into four phases, with decoration only. phase one and two dedicated to getting the building up and running, and people in the pews — or chairs for now. Brad Russell, Lead Pastor Another detail that Brad was eager to show was the vintage Gooding’s of The Grove Church, explained how he and his leadership team were sign that was found in the middle of the old store when they purchased heavily involved with the design of the building; while Dustin Sams, the it in 2017. In pristine condition with no need for repairs, it was crated Executive Pastor, jokingly explained how he was the guy who really up and just sitting there. When they needed to move it to continue made things happen. On this particular day, some of the finishing work construction, it was decided to be used as a memento or call back to was still in progress, but Brad was happy to give a tour of their new years past. Today it hangs above the missions’ snack bar, and — as Brad home, pointing out all the work that congregants had already put in was eager to demonstrate — it still works. to making the place ready for use; details both big and small which make the place more personal. For example, a large mural made up Just off the community area is a large room that currently houses of photographs taken around Titusville by Grove members. Also, near the main entrance, there is a large column that was part of the original store; a member squared it off and constructed a masonry brick column, as a tribute to Brad’s father. The tour started in the front section Brad calls the community area, which is immediately inside the glass door front entrance that still resembles its days as a grocery store. At over 6,000 square feet in size, the space is large. “This is a place for people to just gather and spend time together,” he said. “They can get a coffee or a snack at one of the stands.” He pointed out that the front area houses not one, but two snack bars for people to get coffee, drinks, small pastries, etc. One location is operated by the church’s mission partners and serves a few select coffees and free donuts; the other is actually a small storefront for Titusville’s Sunrise Bread Company, where they serve their coffee and some of the scones and other products that are found in their store in Downtown Titusville. 9 Talking Points / January 2020

the growing children’s ministry, with room for kids of all ages. As phase two gets closer to completion, the children’s ministry totaling about 8,000 square feet will have multiple classrooms along a hallway painted to look like a Florida orange grove. Phase three will see a new 10,000-square-foot permanent children’s wing on the west side of the building, which would free up the front room to become an old- style, traditional looking chapel, complete with a façade of an old wood church in the front community area. Phase three will be no small undertaking either, as Brad estimated they need to raise approximately $600,000 in order to complete it. In the center of the building is the main sanctuary. It is a large, cavernous room that comfortably seats 650 people and has multiple projection screens, modern audiovisual equipment, a large stage for worship and praise bands, and a moderately-sized room in the back for people to meet after services for prayer and encouragement. Adorned with several chairs and couches, it makes for a quiet place to gather and speak about anything. A panoramic view of the main sanctuary inside The Grove Church. The local icon Moonlight Drive-In isn’t going “This is a place for people to meet privately and have a chat after anywhere any time soon! The drive-in restaurant has a service,” he explained. “You know, up front it’s really loud, and after been open since 1964, and is the last original drive- service everyone’s trying to head out. So we have this room here for in in town. When the previous owners, the Hamed people to just sit and talk, with its own exit out to the front.” family, announced a few years ago that they were planning to retire, many wondered if the restaurant While work is far from done, the church’s new home is already coming would remain open and continue to serve the alive with the energy of the staff and the congregation. Currently, The community the old-fashioned burgers and shakes Grove has three services on Sundays, with the plan to introduce a that they love so much. Thankfully, the new owners fourth on Easter and see how it goes. Between the expanding children’s Shawn and Jessica Landry are keeping the restaurant ministry, 3 worship services, community projects, and 45 home growth open! groups, the church is expanding and the new building is just big enough to house all the good work they are doing. “Established in 1964, MoonLight is an original, carhop themed restaurant named to honor For the future, Brad and his team have a lot of ideas in store for the the Apollo program and their many missions building. One plan, an idea for phase four, is to convert the upstairs area to the moon,” says the restaurant’s website, into 3,500 square feet for a private counseling center. Other ideas aren’t MoonlightDriveIn.com. “Almost 60 years later, ready to be shared yet, but are really exciting to hear. you can still get the classic burger, hot dog, sub sandwich or for the sweeter side, hand spun For more information about The Grove Church, visit their website at milkshakes and classic sundaes you have grown www.thegrovechurchfl.org, or stop by and see them at 1450 Harrison to love.” Street here in Titusville. The restaurant is The Grove Leadership Team - Back (L to R): Paul Ballington, Will Davis, Dustin keeping the staples of Sams, Barry Russell, Jason Walton, and Rebecca Sheaffer; Front (L to R): Travis the old restaurant, along Woernly, Brad Russell, Rachael Ledford, Nancy Jevwby, and Carsen Taylor. with new specialties such as Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, Apple Explosion Sundaes, Orange Cream Milkshakes, and more! The interior of the restaurant has also been restored with the classic diner décor. For more information, visit MoonlightDriveIn.com. Here’s to another 60 years of history! January 2020 \\ Talking Points 10

FEATURE STORIES FUSNUNIN THE at Playalinda Beach One of Titusville’s biggest attractions is Playalinda Beach,NPS/Photo Stanley A SpaceX Flacon Heavy launch viewed from Playalinda Beach. a 24-mile-long beach along the Canaveral National Seashore. The shore is home to more than 1,000 plant an excellent place to see waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, species and 310 bird species, and is the longest undeveloped and raptors, and sometimes visitors will catch a glimpse at beach on the east coast of Florida. This makes it the perfect alligators, otters, bobcats, and various other wildlife. destination for locals and tourists alike who want to have a fun, relaxing day in the sun. Playalinda offers magnificent views of rocket launches from the Kennedy Space Center. Located within 5 miles of the launch, Sight-Seeing the beach is one of the closest locations to the site on the Space Coast. Additionally, it offers a nice walk down the beach Open from 6am - 6pm in the winter and 6am - 8pm in the and plenty of space to set up camp for a comfortable launch- summer, Playalinda Beach offers a beautiful view of the viewing experience! Atlantic, unobscured by construction or development. Visitors of Playalinda love it for its serene, undisturbed natural feel and Additionally, Playalinda will soon become the epicenter of quiet, peaceful charm. While many of Florida’s beaches have Titusville’s multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trails. The Coast-To- been developed with hotels, shops, and food stands, Playalinda Coast Trail, which starts in St. Petersburg, will complete its 250 is a breath of fresh air with uncontested views. mile journey at Playalinda Beach. The Coast-To-Coast Trail also overlaps with the St. Johns River-To-Sea Loop, a 260-mile trail The drive out to the underway in northeast Florida, which runs through five counties beach crosses into the and encompasses part of the 3,000-mile East Coast Greenway. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Sightseers will easily spot turtles, gators, and exotic birds as they drive through the beautiful preserve. There’s even a visitor center for those who want to explore a little more of the refuge, which consists of over 140,000 acres and hosts more than 1,500 species of plants and wildlife, including 15 federally listed species. The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9am - 5pm. For those who want a little more, the path includes a detour out to Black Point Wildlife Drive, which is a 7-mile, one-way drive through shallow marsh impoundments and pine flatwoods. It’s 11 Talking Points / January 2020

Fishing Canaveral National FEATURE STORIES Seashore Celebrates While the Space Coast is already a superb place to cast your 45th Birthday! line, Playalinda is a local fishing spot that has become something of a fan favorite. Our pristine beach is the perfect place for surf Canaveral National Seashore celebrated it’s 45th fishing, with no shops, condos, or restaurants along the shore to distract you from your beautiful natural surroundings. birthday on January 3, 2020. It was created through congressional legislation on January 3, 1975 (by Public Playalinda is also home to a slew of different fish, with Whiting Law 93-626) to preserve and protect the natural, scenic, being the most common catch year-round. Pompano are also scientific, ecological, archeological, and historical a popular catch in the cooler months of the year, along with values and resources within the national seashore, Bluefish, Black Drum, and Croakers. and to provide for public outdoor recreational use and enjoyment of those resources. Sea Turtle Nesting The national seashore is managed by the Many Titusville residents eagerly await the annual sea turtle National Park Service in partnership with the nestings in the summer months. Between May and October, National Aeronautics and Space Administration biologists monitor between 5,000 and 13,000 nests. More sea (NASA), which owns approximately two-thirds turtles nest on Canaveral National Seashore than any other of the national seashore; and the adjacent National Park unit, making it an extremely popular tourist Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is destination and an exciting annual tradition for locals. During administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge. the months of June and July, visitors can sign up for a FWCC permitted Turtle Watch program where the mother turtles can be seen swimming up to shore, laying her eggs, and returning to the ocean. Reservations begin every year on May 15th. For more information, call (386) 428-3384 ext. 0. There’s also an annual sea turtle festival celebrating the occasion in Downtown Titusville. This family friendly event includes a slew of turtle themed activities, such as arts and crafts, face painting, dance groups, and much more. The event is accompanied by a Thirsty Turtle Beer Brawl Kick Off Party for adults the night before, and an Indian River Lagoon Clean Up the morning of. Surfing Playalinda is a hidden gem when it comes to surfing. While you won’t find massive tides coming ashore, Playalinda is known for consistently decent waves on northern swells and an incoming tide. The Canaveral National Seashore is huge, spanning 13 different parking areas, so the water is never crowded and there is always plenty of room to catch a wave. NPS/Photo Roman January 2020 \\ Talking Points 12

Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival FEATURE STORIES Every year, thousands of birds flock to Florida to enjoy a reprieve from the cold northern winter, and every year thousands of eager birdwatchers follow! This year marks the 23rd Annual Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, a five day birding festival right here in Titusville. The SCBWF is one of the largest birding festivals in the United States, featuring world class photographers, field trips, workshops, presentations, and, of course, bird watching! This year, the festival will be held from January 22-27. Florida is rich in native populations of wildlife and birds, but it is also along a busy route for migrating birds stopping over for the winter. Florida’s Space Coast – home to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Canaveral National Seashore, and Kennedy Space Center, is one of the best birding locations in the United States because it is situated at the convergence of two zones — temperate and tropical — creating a natural diversity of unique habitats that attract varied bird species. The festival invites bird watchers of all ages, from beginners to veterans, to attend. A Northern Flicker, a breed of large, brown Woodpeckers, make its home in a tree. 13 Talking Points / January 2020

The festivities will kick off from Eastern Florida State College’s Titusville been chosen to highlight the best birding areas in East Central Florida. Campus at 1311 U.S. 1, in Titusville. From there, various excursions, The trips are staffed by some of the world’s finest birding guides, and day trips, and presentations will take place across East Central Florida, show off over 180 different bird species. with many of the events happening right here at the college. For more information on any of the events or to sign up, visit scbwf.org. The tours are very diverse and unique, including Airboat Birding along the St. Johns River, A Drive at Blue Heron Wetlands, a Chain of Lakes Local Impact Bird Walk and more! Enjoy the outdoors and cool weather as you explore the natural beauty that Titusville and the surrounding area have to offer. Every year, the festival sees a huge positive impact to our local economy. For a full list of field trips, visit scbwf.org. Book your spot quickly! Many During the festival in January of 2018, over 40% of visitors came from of the field trips are extremely popular and sell out well in advance. out of state, while close to 75% of attendees were visitors from out of county. Some even traveled to Titusville from other countries to attend Workshops and Classes the event, including Brazil, Uganda, Ireland, and 13 more. Visitors spent an aggregate 1318 nights at hotels and motels here in town, with some Education is a big part of the event, with 10 different workshops going also staying at campgrounds and RV parks. While in town, visitors on throughout the week, ranging from outdoor observation walks are also highly encouraged to support local shops, restaurants, and to electronically cataloguing great finds in the field. There are also 9 businesses by festival coordinators and sponsors. different world class photographers offering photography workshops, presented and sponsored by Wildside Nature Tours. Last year, the SCBWF saw a local economic impact of over $1.2 million. 90% of survey responses given at the end of the festival A number of classes are also available for beginners and veterans indicated they would encourage friends to attend next years event, with alike, on topics such as birdwatching locations, techniques, and natural 86% of responses saying they planned on personally returning to the history. Over 35 different classes are offered by bird experts of various event this year. This outpour of support for the event on the Space Coast backgrounds and areas of expertise. To see a complete list of classes, visit has garnered its reputation as one of the best locations for bird watchers. scbwf.org. Additionally, due to the nature of the festival and its activities, there is very little pollution or negative impact on the local environment. Many Exhibit Hall of the events in the festival sell out due to its overwhelming popularity. Even after the festival, many attendees stay in town for additional time to The exhibit hall is the heart of the festival, and will be set up in enjoy the area and see all that Titusville and the rest of the Space Coast the gymnasium at Eastern Florida State College, featuring more have to offer. than 70 exhibits geared towards the birding, wildlife and nature enthusiast. Exhibits include destination tour companies, wildlife and After meeting with massive success last year, this year the team is also birding organizations, nature-based businesses, artists, book sellers, bringing back Space Coast Family Wildlife Adventure Day. This event photography, and an outstanding representation of camera and optic focuses on bringing local families to the festival with activities and equipment. events geared for children along with families and friends. Included in the festivities is painting, nature journaling, and playing “Bird Detective”, Field trips and presentations are purposefully scheduled so there is along with many more activities. This year, Adventure Day is taking ample time to get back to the campus and visit the Exhibit Center on place on Saturday, January 25. numerous occasions. A concession stand at the entrance will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers, soups, salads, and beverages for lunch, with Presentations hors d’ouevres being served in the late afternoon Wednesday through Saturday. The festival is also planning to offer food trucks on Friday Every year the festival invites professionals from various lines of work and Saturday that serve a variety of cuisine, such as Mexican, BBQ, and to speak, and this year is no different! This year the keynote and spotlight Seafood. After the keynote speaker, visitors are encouraged to discover speakers are: the variety of fantastic food options available in Titusville for dinner. • Steve Shunk, Paradise Birding – How Woodpeckers Can Save The A family of Sandhill Cranes searches for food along the waters of the Merritt Island World (Or At Least Your Local Woodland!) National Wildlife Refuge. • Catherine Hamilton, Wildside Nature Tours – Amur Falcon – The exhibit hall is also the location of the Silent Auction, which raises Living on the Edge funds for the Giving Back to Conservation initiative. Visitors are highly encouraged to visit the exhibit hall, enjoy the booths, grab a bite to eat, • George Armistead, RockJumper Birding Tours – Megadiverse and support the sponsors that make the whole event possible! Colombia: The World’s Epicenter of Birds January 2020 \\ Talking Points 14 • Greg Miller, Wildside Nature Tours – Popcorn and a Movie: The Big Year The spotlight speakers for the event are: • Kevin Loughlin, Wildside Nature Tours – GALAPAGOS: What You Must Know Before You Go! • Jason Guerard, Black Swamp Bird Observatory – Warblers and Birding Northwest Ohio • George Armistead, Rockjumper Birding Tours – Crying Wolf: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Audiolures • Steve Shunk, Paradise Birding – Humming Across the Americas • Aidan Place, ABA-LEICA - An International Big Day for Conservation: The Story of the ABA-LEICA Subadult Wheatears Field Trips It wouldn’t be a birding festival without some field trips to the great outdoors! This year there are almost 50 unique field trips, which have

Over 4,800 acres of cornfields planted in 2017 spread out over the Ugandan countryside. FEATURE STORIES iFnoUstegriangnGdroawth Henry and Roz Foster Safari trip inspires Titusville couple to stand at a waterfall during one of their provide life-changing aid in rural Africa. excursions to Uganda. When most people reach retirement, they seek to people to improve their health and life expectancy. simplify their lives and settle into their golden years As a result of their travels, the Fosters determined the health with comfort and ease. However, for Titusville couple and life expectancy problem was caused by the unavailability of Henry and Roz Foster, this was simply never an option. Instead purified water and a lack of knowledge concerning waterborne, of taking it easy, Henry — a retired aerospace engineer and life-threating diseases — especially among the young. founder of the technical launch support company, Call Henry, Waterborne diseases are the number one cause of sickness and Inc. — and his wife Roz — a local historian, president of the death throughout the world, leading to more than 3.4 million North Brevard Heritage Foundation, and manager of the Historic deaths per year. Henry realized that even if he were to provide Pritchard House in Downtown Titusville — have been working purified water to the people, he would also need to change on multiple life improvement programs in the small African their practices in order to really make a difference. He knew that country of Uganda for the past several years. There definitely is education was the key to solving the problem, recalling how his no driving in the slow lane for the Fosters. son convinced him to stop smoking 42 years earlier after learning The story began when Henry and Roz visited Uganda in 2014, the health risks at school. With his son’s lesson in mind, he set where they found many people living in woeful conditions. about the task of teaching skills as well as providing tools. He Once referred to by Winston Churchill as the “pearl of Africa” chose to supply purified water at rural public schools, health due to its beauty, today it is the third poorest country in the centers, and clinics where the need has been the greatest. world. Life expectancy for most Ugandans is only 52 years, and over 50 percent of its citizens are 25 years of age or less. Water Health Program - Bringing Clean, Standing in front of the storage tanks, a technician trains Ugandans on the use of Purified Water to Rural Uganda the water purification system. As Henry and Roz traveled the country, they noticed people He also worked with the Ugandan Government to incorporate of all ages were carrying water on their heads, arms, and bicycles a water-related health program within their Health and along the roads. Their guide explained that people sometimes Education initiative. This would educate both primary-aged school children, and health center patients, on the importance walked for miles to get of clean water. They would then carry that knowledge back to water from wherever they could find it, as it was not readily available. After that initial trip, the Fosters returned three more times in 2015, where they talked to the locals, inquiring about their needs, and tried to figure out how they Ugandan children get water from a typical source. could best assist the 15 Talking Points / January 2020

their families at home, giving a generational foundation for life Sowing Seeds and Changing Lives expectancy improvement and reduction in troubling diseases. Recognizing an opportunity to help ensure a stable food To date, the Fosters, at their expense, have installed purified source for Ugandans and maybe a way to help fund the water water systems at schools supporting 2,400 students, and at a health program, the Foster’s invested in a farm operation health center that supports a population of 140,000. The Fosters with three other Americans. They realized that by acquiring founded a 501(c)(3) charity organization called Maji Salama, Inc., and developing idle land, they to work with the Ugandan Ministry of Health in implementing a could unlock the potential water health program for its citizens. Maji Salama is Swahili, for of Uganda’s rich soils and clean purified water, and in accordance with its Memorandum help ensure a continued food of Understanding with the Government of Uganda, the source for Ugandans and the organization’s goal is to install water systems at 12,400 rural people of East Africa. They schools supporting 7 million children, and 1,100 health centers first decided to cultivate corn, serving 11 million Ugandans. a main food source among the local population that is used A schoolhouse of children who have been supported by the water purification frequently in their daily lives. efforts of the Fosters. Twenty-five percent of the profit that the Foster Trust For its part, the Ugandan government will implement a makes from the farm operation water, hygiene, and sanitation education program wherever will be used in support of the purification systems are installed. It will also continue the water health program. to incorporate lessons into school curriculum and provide Currently the company health guidelines to patients at medical centers. This might be is one of the leading one of the first times a charity organization and the Ugandan employers of Ugandans, government have joined into a life-saving partnership of this especially among women A farm worker bags processed corn at the scale, which will improve the life expectancy of Ugandans and youth in a subsistence- Foster’s facility in Uganda. for generations to come, at a very low cost per person. In the dominated industry. In this environment, the Ugandans are future, water purification equipment (designed by Henry) and being equipped with technical and business skills in a their installation will be funded through the Foster Trust and flourishing industry. They currently employ over 650 individual donations. The Ugandan Government will fund the people, with women representing a major contingent of the health education part of the water health program, as well as operational and management team in this traditionally male- the maintenance of the water systems. dominated industry. Over 60% of Ugandans are employed in the agricultural sector, but less than 5% are in wage earning For additional information and to find ways to help, visit the jobs in the sector; meaning that the population spends a lot Maji Salama Inc. website at majisalama.org. of time in agriculture, but not in a commercial setting. This opportunity creates a gateway for the employees to flourish. 2019 Secretary of State Award for Excellence The farm operation is doing quite well as it was one of only four winners of the 2019 Secretary of State’s Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE), presented by the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on October 31, 2019, in Washington D.C. This is the 20th year for the award, which recognizes American January 2020 \\ Talking Points 16

companies that promote and uphold high corporate social was going to a good cause. Between 2017 and 2018, 28 goats responsibility standards in communities where they do were purchased and distributed — now totaling 56 goats — with business in third world countries. Other winners include Pepsi some ready to produce more offspring. One City of Titusville and Proctor and Gamble. employee’s wife wanted to donate a goat. Her husband got The Award recognizes the farm operation in the Sustainable involved and thought it would be funny to “get her goat” by Operations category, with it being the largest grain and naming it “Dawn” after her. Even though he was joking, Roz oil seed producer, and one of the leading wholesalers soon sent him a picture of “Dawn” the Ugandan namesake goat. of agricultural commodities in Uganda. It invests in local communities, sets high production standards, uses In 2018, some of the farming land which had been previously sustainable farming methods, pays competitive wages and purchased by the Foster Trust was swapped for 10 acres of incorporates cutting-edge technology The farm provides grazing land in the rural village of Kata. The idea was to establish an affordable supply to nourish over 500,000 people in their own breeding farm so they would have a continuous supply East Africa. of goats to donate to the local women’s groups. In 2019, the Fosters provided funding to clear some of the land and build a goat house, a fenced corral and a shepherd house. Labor was provided by local villagers and lumber was transported from nearby mountain forests. Roz purchased household supplies for the full-time, on-site shepherd they hired. May 2019, Roz contacted a goat farm in Western Uganda who donated and transported 20 goats to establish the farm. After a day-long journey, the herd arrived and were inventoried and tagged before being introduced to the shepherd and their new home. A worker stacks bags of corn into a storage warehouse in Uganda. Roz Foster stands with a group of Ugandan women and the goats that were donated by generous benefactors in the U.S. One goat was named Dawn, after Fostering Support for Widowed/ the wife of a City of Titusville employee. Abandoned Women Also hired for the farm were an on-call veterinarian and an During their many trips to the rural regions of Uganda, the overseer who lives in a nearby village and manages the farm. Fosters discovered that many women are the sole providers As funding resources from sales increase, future funding for their families. Many are widowed or abandoned and have expenditures for women’s groups will include providing children to support and with very little means of doing so. elevated washstands, fencing for animals to keep them Quite often women engage in subsistence farming to provide outside of houses, outside toilet buildings, and solar lighting. food for their families, and money for clothing, medication, school fees for children, and general household care. If you want a goat named for you or someone you know, it only takes $50.00 to sponsor an animal. These funds are used to Working with a Ugandan non-profit organization, Roz came support and expand the goat breeding facilities for future up with a plan to empower women economically to make them women groups. Henry and Roz continue to be busy, both self-sustainable by forming women’s groups and providing here at home and in Uganda, with no signs of ever slowing them with goats. The groups consist of 10 to 25 women, with down. Their hard work is paying off, and the Ugandan people membership dependent on being registered with the local are benefiting from American’s desire to help those less council leaders. Each group selects a group leader and receives a fortunate. Everyone can play a role in providing these lifesaving start-up number of goats depending on the number of members resources, so if you would like become a part of the project, or who will share in the management and care of the animals. just donate a goat, contact the Fosters at: [email protected]. Each woman in the group is provided with her own goat and through its offspring are able to eventually establish her own herd. Each group decides when goats will be sold and how money will be spent by a majority vote of members. The goal of the project is to grow the herd in each women’s group to become more sustainable. The project generated so much interest that in May of 2019, Roz called for a meeting of women’s groups at a local school in the town of Mbale that attracted around 100 women, with many walking 7-10 miles to attend. Funding was accomplished by soliciting donations from local Americans to purchase “namesake goats” for only $50 per goat. It became a fun project, as people enjoyed having a goat named after someone for a present or themselves, knowing it 17 Talking Points / January 2020

Local Restaurant to appear on national Titusville’s House television show. of Waffles Food Network is hosting the next episode of its show FEATURE STORIES “Restaurant: Impossible” right here in Titusville at the local Loyd Have Mercy restaurant! The program, hosted by Robert Titusville residents have a new place to go to for a Irvine, showcases restaurants that are facing hard times and gives hearty breakfast now that C’s Waffles has opened in the them two days and $10,000 to turn things around. downtown area! Located at 125 Broad Street — the former home of The Coffee Shoppe — the breakfast & brunch diner is Loyd Have Mercy has been open in Titusville since 2008. Its open seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. founder, Dr. Andrew Loyd, originally opened its doors on South Park Avenue before relocating to Sears Town Mall, before C’s Waffles was founded in 1992 by Rick Cotelesse in New relocating again to its own building on US 1. The restaurant offers Castle, PA. Raised by first-generation Italian parents, Camillo and guests a variety of dishes including seafood, homestyle cooking, Ann Marie, to be independent and value hard work, he began and barbeque. his restaurant career as a dishwasher at 14. Over the years, Rick worked his way through the ranks at national chains Perkin’s and The grand re-opening will take place on Wednesday, January Denny’s, learning every aspect of the restaurant business. Now, the 22nd at 7pm. Anyone interested in attending the event company has multiple locations: South Daytona, South A1A New will want to make a reservation by emailing volunteer@ Smyrna Beach, State Road 44 in New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, restaurantimpossiblevolunteers.com by 3pm on January 17, with Deland, Port Orange, and even a few in Ohio. the subject line: 1613 LHM RESERVATIONS. Sadly, Rick passed away on January 22, 2018. However his four The episode will air sometime this spring on Food Network. children and nine grandchildren carry on his legacy, the For any questions, contact Loyd Have Mercy at 321-269-1008, or foundation of which is great food and exceptional service swing by at 3434 S. Washington Avenue. at a reasonable price! SR 405 Designated as Honorary Martin C’s Waffles isn’t just for breakfast. They also serve burgers, Luther King, Jr. Memorial Boulevard. wraps, sandwiches, melts, chicken and a whole lot more. For many years, residents in Titusville have been working to get For more information, visit: a road in town named in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Facebook.com/CsWafflesTitusville Jr. On January 20, their hard work and dedication will pay off when SR 405 from US 1 south to SR 50 will be given the honorary designation of “Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Boulevard. The unveiling will take place at the new road sign’s location adjacent to St. James AME Church on South Street, as part of the annual Martin Luther King Day celebrations. On hand for the unveiling will be members of City Council and leaders of the community. Being an honorary designation, there are no changes to addresses or existing street signage. January 2020 \\ Talking Points 18

STAR ATHLETES FROM TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA For decades, Titusville has been known for its close proximity to native Florida wildlife, waterways, and rocket launches. However, the location of our town is not its only defining factor; it’s the people who live and work here which makes Titusville a unique place to call home. And, every now and then, certain individuals have the opportunity to step out into the spotlight and show the world that small towns can produce big stars too. Example: athletics. Did you know Titusville has produced multiple star athletes over the years? The following list highlights some of the individuals who were either born here, or graduated from school here, and went on to have a career in sports. This is not an all-inclusive list, and we may have inadvertently missed someone. So if you know of any professional athletes we may have left out, please let us know through email at TTP@Titusville. com, and we will print them in a future edition of Talking Points. Football • Justin Tyler “J. T.” Hassell (NFL) – Born in Titusville, 1995; AHS class of 2014 • John Bostic (NFL) – Born in Titusville, 1962; AHS class of 1981 Detroit Lions - 1985–1987 Cleveland Browns - 2019 • Wilber Marshall (NFL) – Born in Titusville, 1962; AHS class of 1980 Chicago Bears - 1984–1987) Washington Redskins - 1988–1992 • Michael Cadore, Sr. (World League of American Football); THS class Houston Oilers - 1993 of 1984 Arizona Cardinals - 1994 Montreal Machine - 1991 New York Jets - 1995 Now: Rockledge, Florida City Council Now: Lives in Virginia • Latavius Murray (NFL) – Born in Titusville, 1990 Oakland Raider - 2013–2016 Minnesota Vikings - 2017–2018 Now: Running Back (#28), New Orleans Saints • Cris Collinsworth (NFL) – Astronaut HS class of 1977 Cincinnati Bengals - 1981–1988 Now: Game Analyst, NBC Sunday Night Football • Aaron Walker (NFL) – Born in Titusville, 1980; AHS class of 1998 San Francisco 49ers - 2003–2004 St. Louis Rams - 2005–2007 Baltimore Ravens - 2008 • Joe DeForest (NFL) – THS class of 1983 Cleveland Browns - 2009 Houston Oilers / New Orleans Saints - 1987 Calgary Stampeders (Canadian Football League) - 1988. Now: University of Southern California Outside Linebackers Coach • Gerald White (NFL) – Born in Titusville, 1964; THS class of 1983 Dallas Cowboys - 1987–1988 Miami Dolphins - 1989 Now: Executive Director of Education Is Cool, Get One Inc. 19 Talking Points / January 2020

MIXED MARTIAL BASKETball ARTS • Reggie Hannah (NBA/European League) – Born in Titusville, 1959; • Muhammed DeReese (PFL) – THS class of 2007 THS class of 1977 8 Wins, 2 Losses - 2014–Present Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers - 1982 (Released) Netherlands (EL) - 1987 FIGURE SKATING BOXING FEATURE STORIES • Daniel Eaton – Born in Titusville 1992 • Eric Kelly – Born in Titusville, 1980 Four Continents Bronze Medalist - 2014 Junior Olympic Boxing Champ - 1997 World Junior Bronze Medalist - 2012, 2013 USA Boxing Under-19 National Champ - 1998 JGP Final Bronze Medalist - 2012 National Golden Gloves bronze medal - 1998 Now: Represents South Korea American Boxing Classic Champ - 1999 2x New York Daily News Golden Glove Champ BASEball National Golden Glove Champ - 2000 U.S. Olympic Team Alternate (Sydney, Aus) - 2000 • Jeff Fulchino (MLB) – Born in Titusville, 1979 Gold Medal, Olympics - 2004 Florida Marlins -2006 Kansas City Royals - 2008 OLYMPICS Houston Astros - 2009–2011 San Diego Padres - 2011 • Mitzi Kremer – Titusville HS class of 1986 Bridgeport Bluefish (Atlantic League of Prof. Bronze Medal 4x100 Freestyle Swimming in Baseball) - 2013 Seoul, Korea - 1988 SOCCER WRESTLING • Michaela Hahn (National Women’s Soccer League) – Born in • Michael Polchlopek – Born in Titusville, 1967 Titusville, 1994; THS class of 2012 WWF/WWE - 1993–1999/2007 United States Under-23 women’s national Japan - 2002–2004 team - 2015–2016 Western New York Flash - 2016 Seattle Reign FC - 2017 Houston Dash - 2018 January 2020 \\ Talking Points 20

CITY GOV NEWS Water Conservation Awards for Excellence Meritorious Award in the Public Education In December 2019, the City of Titusville Water Resources Conservation Program was awarded the 2019 Meritorious Award in the Public Education category by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA). The award is given as part of the FSAWWA 2019 Water Conservation Awards for Excellence. The FSAWWA Water Use Efficiency Division (WUED) presents the awards annually in recognition of innovative and outstanding achievements in water efficiency throughout Florida. Titusville Water Conservation received the award for its recent outreach campaign that included promotional video messaging ads that promote the use of native plants in residential landscapes. The two 15-second public service messages are part of the Conservation Program’s renewed focus on outdoor water conservation and improving the health of the Indian River Lagoon. The ads play prior to every movie shown in each auditorium at Epic’s Titusville theatres. Student Advisory Council News The City’s 12-Member Student Advisory Council, which consists of high school students (grades 9-12) from Astronaut and Titusville High Schools and the North Brevard Home School Association, has several projects in the works to benefit youth and others in the community. During the 2019/2020 term ( (August through April), the City’s Student Advisory Council is championing the following projects: • Hosting a one-day, interactive, youth leadership seminar for local high school students on February 27, 2020. • Supporting the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce “The Longest Table” — to bring citizens together to foster meaningful conversation and build relationships (est. Feb. 2020). • Remaking “The Last Dance” video warning youth and the community on the dire consequences of drinking and driving. For more information, please call the Titusville City Clerk’s Office at Ph. 321-567-3686. 21 Talking Points / January 2020

City of Titusville Housing Programs Did you know that the City offers programs to assist This Program offers financial assistance to first-time low-income households with repairs to their home or home-buyers for down payment, closing costs, and to purchase their first home? the reduction of the first mortgage principal to eligible buyers. Assistance is provided in the form of a Deferred Through state and federal grant funds received by the Payment Loan as a second mortgage on the home. City under the State Housing Initiative Program (SHIP) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), The home must be located in the incorporated limits the City has developed various housing programs to of Titusville and can be new or existing. The home assist low-income households with making repairs to must meet the Standard Housing Code and pass a their existing occupied home or purchase their first home inspection. If built before 1978, the home home. must be inspected for lead-based paint and abated if necessary. Property must have a useful life of at least Housing Rehabilitation Program 30 years. This is a voluntary program designed to assist low- The new or existing home, including lot, cannot exceed income home owners, who have no other financial 90% of the Melbourne-Titusville-Palm Bay Median means available, with repairs to their home to bring Area (MSA) Purchase Price, as established by the it up to living standards. Through this program, the United States Department of Treasury and provided City will help to provide a decent, safe, and sanitary by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban living environment for city residents, which contributes Development (HUD), which is currently $172,000 for to a long-term and viable housing stock for the future. existing homes and $227,000 for new construction. The goal of this Program is to provide improvements The size of the purchased home must be consistent and repairs. When completed, it will bring existing with the requirements for family size as established by substandard units into compliance with the Florida local, state, or federal codes. Existing Building Code, Minimum Housing Code, and local codes. Financial assistance is provided through The following types of properties are ineligible: a Deferred Payment Loan. 1. Manufactured or mobile homes 2. Condominiums or Time Shares Some examples of repairs provided under the Program 3. Properties located outside the city limits are roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, windows, of Titusville doors, and painting. 4. Properties in which the sales price exceed the MSA purchase price limit This program is available citywide and is not developed 5. Properties which do not pass a minimum to address any particular population or defined by any housing inspection and cannot be repaired by boundaries. the seller Applications may be submitted over the phone, on- For more information on this Program, please visit the line, or in person. For more information on the City’s webpage at Titusville.com, or call Community Program and to apply on-line please visit the City’s Housing Initiative at 321-253-0053 to apply. webpage at Titusville.com. To apply by phone call 321-567-3987. Applications are accepted in person January 2020 \\ Talking Points 22 at the Harry T. Moore Social Service Center located at 725 S. De Leon Avenue, Titusville, FL 32780 First Time Home-buyer Program

MLK 23 Talking Points / January 2020

What is the UPCOMING 2020 Census? COUNETVEYNTS How it affects you and Movie in the Park: “Shazam!” your local area. (2019) The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business Sand Point Park - Titusville • Fri., Jan. 24; 6:30 – 8:40 pm owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily PG-13 | 2h 12min | Superhero, Fantasy, Sci-fi services, products, and support for you and your community. We all have a superhero inside of us, it just takes a bit of magic Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, to bring it out. In 14-year-old Billy Batson’s case, all he needs to fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based do is shout out one word to transform into the adult superhero on census data. An accurate count is important; answering Shazam! Still a kid at heart, Shazam revels in the new version of the census with complete and accurate information directly himself by doing what any other teen would do — have fun while benefits our city and state, providing more funding for testing out his newfound powers. But he’ll need to master them multiple programs and the economy. quickly before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can get his hands on Shazam’s magical abilities. Every ten years, the census records everyone living in the country. On April 1, your household will receive a questionnaire, which can be answered online, by phone, or by mail. Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently completed another survey from the Census Bureau. The questions in the survey will ask you about you and your Movie in the Park: “The Princess Bride” household, such as: How many people are living in your (1987) home? Is the home owned or rented? What is the age of each person in your home? Your personal information is kept Sand Point Park in Titusville • Fri., Feb. 14; 7 – 8:40 pm strictly confidential. The Census Bureau is bound by federal PG | 1h 38min | Fantasy, Romance law to protect your information, and your data is only used While home, sick in bed, a young boy’s grandfather reads him a for statistical purposes. fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love: a farmboy-turned-pirate who — after a long separation The results of the census also determine the number of seats — must endure numerous obstacles and enemies in his quest to each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, find and save her. and they are used to draw congressional and state legislative districts. 3rd Annual Touch-A-Truck It’s also in the Constitution: Article 1, Section 2, mandates Sand Point Park - Titusville • Sat., Mar. 21; 9 am – 2 pm that the country conduct a count of its population once every Free event. 10 years. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the Kids of all ages are invited out to interact, play, and learn about country has counted its population since 1790. awesome machines associated with agriculture, commercial logistics, construction, defense, emergency services, and other For more information, visit 2020census.gov. one-of-a-kind vehicles. Movie in the Park: “The Little Mermaid” (1989) Sand Point Park in Titusville • Fri., Mar. 27; 8 – 9:30 pm PG | 1h 25min | Fantasy, Animation In Disney’s beguiling animated romp, rebellious 16-year-old mermaid Ariel is fascinated with life on land. On one of her visits to the surface — which are forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton — she falls for a human prince. Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch, Ursula, to become human for three days. But when plans go awry for the star-crossed lovers, the king must make the ultimate sacrifice for his daughter. January 2020 \\ Talking Points 24

CITY GOV NEWS A total of approximately 80 Law Enforcement and Civilian Search and Rescue K9 teams from across the country assembled in Titusville at the American Police Hall of Fame on December 9th through December 13th for the 2019 North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) Florida State Workshop. In May 2020, Titusville Police Department will again play host to NAPWDA for the National Training Workshop, which is anticipated to bring over 200 K9 teams and their families to the city. These events bring an influx of visitors and an enormous revenue source to local businesses. In addition, the many skills and certifications acquired during this workshop become a vital part of law enforcement’s proactive and reactive policing. The Titusville Police Department is truly honored to provide this crucial hands-on training to K9 handlers and their K9 dogs year after year as well as provide a valuable economic boost to the business sector. As of January 1, 2020, motorists can be stopped AND cited for texting and driving, and/or not using a device hands-free in work and school zones. Do your part - #PutItDown and #FocusOnDriving 25 Talking Points / January 2020

TITUSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT 550 S. Washington Ave. | Titusville, FL 32796 | 321.567.3800 TFD Raises Awareness and Funds in Support of Why should the layperson know CPR? Parrish Medical Center’s Cancer Care Program Statistics indicate that 70%-80% of cardiac arrest cases occur either Titusville’s Fire Department presented Jess Parrish Medical Foundation in the home or at public places. In such cases, the person nearest (JPMF) with $3,000 in support of cancer care programs at Parrish the victim is often a bystander with no medical expertise, such as Medical Center (PMC). a relative, an office colleague, or a passer-by. Prompt action, and effective CPR can significantly improve chances of survival. During the month of October, as part of nationwide and local efforts To address this issue the Titusville Fire Department has begun to raise breast cancer awareness, Titusville Fire Department showed teaching Family & Friends CPR to the community through a their support by going pink for the cause. Department members sold partnership with the Children’s Hunger Project of Brevard County. and wore pink-themed T-shirts in October in place of their uniform shirts in observance of breast cancer awareness month. The Family & Friends CPR course teaches lifesaving skills of adult Hands-Only CPR, adult CPR with breaths, child CPR with breaths, For the fifth year, Titusville Fire has generously given back to JPMF and adult and child AED use, infant CPR, and mild and severe airway block supported PMC’s cancer care program. “Giving back to the community for adults, children, and infants. Skills are taught in a dynamic group is gratifying for the department,” said Gregory Sutton, Battalion Chief. environment using the American Heart Association’s research-proven “To know that we are personally making a difference in the lives of practice-while-watching technique, which provides students with the those in our community that need the vital services provided by PMC’s most hands-on CPR practice time possible. cancer care program means so much. We look forward to developing bigger and better ways to increase awareness and our fundraising The Children’s Hunger Project works with various groups in the efforts as we help advance the great work Parrish is doing to provide community to raise money, and collect food for school age children healing care for those dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. Adam who are in need. The Project credits Brevard County Public Schools and Tiffany at Printboy, our local printer, and everyone that purchased for the effort they put forth by way of offering free and reduced T-shirts helped make this donation possible. We are grateful for the lunches to students in need of such help. However, there is little enormous support we have received from the community.” that public schools can offer in the way of providing food for these children over the weekend, and while not in school. This is where the Sutton and members from the Department presented the check to Children’s Hunger Project steps in, and provides for these individuals. Marsha Richardson, PMC director of oncology services; Tanya Abreu, executive director, JPMF; and Jessie Kirk JPMF board chair. The Titusville Fire Department offers these CPR courses for free, with a donation of food to the Hunger Project. The benefit of “Jess Parrish Medical Foundation is proud of our unique community this partnership is twofold; members of the community have an partnership with Titusville Fire Department to fight breast cancer in opportunity to learn lifesaving skills, and food is donated to feed North Brevard. They have been unwavering in their commitment to help hungry children throughout Brevard County. advance PMC’s vision of Healing Families—Healing Communities®,” We have had the pleasure of hosting Family & Friends CPR for various said Abreu. high school groups, and other organizations throughout North Brevard. We plan on continuing this service for our community, with “As a breast health navigator, I have witnessed first-hand the impact courses typically held on a monthly basis. Parrish’s cancer care program has on the patients and families we serve,” stated Shannon Luker, PMC breast health navigator and oncology Saving lives AND feeding hungry children!... How awesome is that?! program coordinator. “We are grateful to Titusville Fire Department for their generous gift and continued support in the fight against October is the National Fire Protection Association’s month to raise breast cancer. They are a shining example of how our community is awareness about fire prevention. This year the theme was Not every stronger when working together. Together, we are making a difference hero wears a cape. Plan and Practice your Escape. Titusville firefighters in the lives of our patients and their families throughout their may not have a cape, but that didn’t stop them from being heroes cancer journey.” during Fire Prevention Week. Engine crews interacted with over 1,000 children at 17 different day care centers and elementary schools during For more information, please the month. Be a hero in your home and check the batteries in your contact Jess Parrish Medical smoke alarms. Foundation at 321-269-4066 or visit: January 2020 \\ Talking Points 26 parrishmedfoundation.com

C’s Waffles Duke’s Thai & American Food C’s Waffles, a restaurant at the Baldwin Plaza in Downtown Titusville, is now open for business. Old Bank Tavern COMPLETED & OPEN Duke’s Thai and American Food opened in October 2019 at 640 S. Park Ave., near Wild Ocean. River & Main Barber (Relocation) The Grand Martini Bar at 345 S. Washington Avenue is being renovated into the Olde Bank Tavern by Sachin Shenoy. Rearview Coffee A new coffee shop has opened in Dairy Plaza at the corner of River & Main Barber Shop recently moved from their original location Singleton and Dairy Road. on Main, and are now located on Washingtone Avenue, next door to Playalinda Brewery. 27 Talking Points / January 2020

Historic Spotlight Important City Numbers Brevard County Courthouse Building Department 321.567.3760 In 1879, Titusville became the seat of government Business Tax Receipts (Occupational Licenses) 321.567.3758 for Brevard County. The first courthouse was a two- story wooden structure built in 1882, on land donated City Clerk 321.567.3686 by Col. Henry Titus, founder of Titusville. In 1912, County Commissioners made a controversial decision City Hall Main Number 321.567.3775 to construct a new courthouse instead of expanding the old structure. The old courthouse was moved to the City Hall FAX Number 321.383.5704 back of the site, and later sold at auction. Contractors Lightman, McDonald & Co. of Jacksonville built the 83 City Manager’s Office 321.567.3702 ft. by 53 ft. two-story structure of re-enforced concrete for $30,566. Four large concrete colonial columns mark Code Enforcement 321.567.3770 the original main entrance on the east side. Community Advocate 321.567.3689 On the north and south entrances there were two small piazzas with one-story colonial columns. Offices Customer Service (Utility Billing) 321.383.5791 of the County Commissioners, Clerk of the Court, Treasurer, Tax Assessor and Collector, Surveyor were Economic Development 321.567.3774 on the first floor. The Clerk’s office housed a large fireproof vault, and the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Fire Department (Non-Emergency) 321.567.3800 offices each had fireproof safes. A large courtroom was on the second floor, along with offices for the State’s Fire Public Education 321.567.3804 Attorney, Judge’s Chamber, grand and petit jury rooms. Human Resources 321.567.3728 The office of the County Judge was in the old clerk’s office across the street from the courthouse square. Jobline 321.567.3731 The new courthouse opened for public business March of 1913. In 1926, a three-story wing was added to the Neighborhood Services 321.567.3987 west side. Jail cells and warden’s quarters, a kitchen to prepare meals for the prisoners, and a hospital ward Municipal Marina 321.383.5600 were located on the third floor. The sheriff and other county offices, along with an ample vault room, were Permits 321.567.3759 located on the second floor. The courthouse continues to serve the citizens of Brevard County, and the jail Planning Department 321.567.3782 facilities on the third floor are no longer used. Police (Non-Emergency) 321.264.7800 Police / Fire Rescue (Emergency) 911 Solid Waste 321.383.5755 Stormwater 321.567.3832 Stormwater (After Hours Emergency) 888.399.1327 Streets Maintenance 321.567.3832 Water Field Operations (Water Main Break) 321.567.3883 Water Main Break (After Hours Emergency) 321.383.5657 Water Resources Conservation Program 321.567.3865 LED Sign Information 321.567.3689 Important Community Numbers Brevard County Auto Tags 321.264.5224 Chamber of Commerce 321.267.3036 Department of Motor Vehicles 321.264.5224 Florida Power and Light 800.577.1156 City Gas Co of Florida 321.636.4644 Social Security Office 321.633.8100 Canaveral National Seashore 321.267.1110 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 321.861.0667 The City of Titusville would like to thank Jesus Vieiro and congratulate him on his retirement after his many years of service as the City’s Purchasing Agent. January 2020 \\ Talking Points 28

NPS/Photo Lord City of Titusville 555 South Washington Ave Titusville, FL 32796 www.Titusville.com